Vice President Mike Pence leaves 49ers-Colts game after players protest during anthem

Michael Conroy / AP

Vice president Mike Pence at the Colt and 49ers in Indianapolis Sunday. He later left after about a dozen 49ers kneeled during the national anthen.

Vice president Mike Pence at the Colt and 49ers in Indianapolis Sunday. He later left after about a dozen 49ers kneeled during the national anthen. (Michael Conroy / AP)

Associated Press

Vice President Mike Pence left the 49ers-Colts game after about a dozen San Francisco players took a knee during the national anthem.

The former Indiana governor flew in so he could watch Peyton Manning's jersey retirement ceremony on Sunday. But Pence didn't stick around long.

Pence said on Twitter: “I left today's Colts game because (at)POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem.”

Colin Kaepernick supporters protest outside M&T Bank Stadium before the Ravens' home opener against the Browns.

The White House also issued a statement from Pence, in which he says Americans should rally around the flag. Pence said: “I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem.”

Pence is a noted sports fan and it's second major event he's attended in his home state since taking office in January. He also attended May's Indianapolis 500, a family tradition.

Manning will become the first Indianapolis-era player in Colts history to have his number retired and will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.